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BVA launches pledges ahead of NI Assembly elections
The pledges include a commitment to controlling disease, and applying behavioural science to tackle bovine TB.
The Northern Ireland Branch compiled the manifesto. 

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has created key pledges for all parties to consider, ahead of the Northern Ireland Assembly elections on 5 May 2022.

Compiled by the BVA's Northern Ireland Branch, the manifesto includes 11 pledges for political parties to adopt, all of which are current priorities for the professions in Northern Ireland. 

BVA NI branch president Fiona McFarland said: “In this manifesto, we have laid out the priority areas for the Northern Ireland veterinary profession. The manifesto draws together the most pressing issues which matter to our members.

“The veterinary profession plays a vital role in Northern Ireland both in the agri-food sector and in keeping companion animals healthy and cared for. We are focused on protecting all animals from disease threats and maintaining public health. 

“We ensure that animal health and welfare is of the highest standard and by working in partnership with farmers and government we can provide a safe and sustainable food chain.”

The 11 manifesto pledges are as follows: 

  •  Support a new vet school for Northern Ireland
  •  Ensure sufficient government veterinary services
  •  Collaborate to preserve veterinary medicines access
  •  Cooperate to simplify post-Brexit pet travel
  •  Direct agriculture funding towards improving animal health and welfare
  •  Commit to partnership working to control disease
  •  Apply behavioural science to tackle bovine TB
  •  Protect the welfare of animals at slaughter
  •  Regulate farriers
  •  Crack down on illegal puppy breeding and commercial movements
  •  Ban the import of dogs with cropped ears.

Alongside asking all political parties standing for election to adopt the pledges in their manifestos, the BVA is asking its Northern Irish members to write to their assembly candidates and ask them to commit to taking action on these issues if they are elected. 

“We would like to see candidates from all parties listen and commit to taking action on these key issues in Northern Ireland,” Fiona added. 

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.